Valve and control system therefor



IN VE/Y TOG v1 .7. J'VI'ZZ 4 Sheets-Sheet l J. R. WILLIAMS VALVE AND CONTROL SYSTEM THEREFOR Filed Oct. 9, 1935 Jan. 24, 1939.

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Jan. 24, 1939. J. R, WILLIAMS VALVE AND CONTROL SYSTEM THEREFOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001;. 9, 1935 5) HA; ATTOQ/VEY Jbmes Jan. 24, 1939. J. R w L M 2,145,146

VALVE AND CONTROL SYSTEM THEREFOR Filed Oct. 9, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 24, 1939.

J, R. WILLIAMS 2,145,146

VALVE AND CONTROL 'SYSTEM THEREFOR Filed Oct. 9, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN l/E/YTOQ JZunes J5. Williams 5) HA5 ATTOR/Vf) Patented Jan. 24, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VALVE AND CONTROL SYSTEM THEREFOR James R. Williams, Quincy, Ill., assignor to Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company, Minneapolis, Minn a corporation of Delaware Application October 9, 1935, Serial No. 44,308

22 Claims.

0 burner is not equipped with a safety pilot, then the next time the gas is turned on it will not ignite, whereas if it is equipped with a safety pilot, extinguishment of the pilot will cause a shutdown of the apparatus. Also, where burners of large capacity are used, when the stack flue is cold, suflicient draft will not be created to provide enough combustion supporting air if the full supply of gas is immediately turned on to the burner. However, as the stack flue heats up, the draft is increased to such a point that sufficient air for supporting combustion is supplied to the burner even though the burner is receiving its maximum flow of gas.

In order to overcome these difliculties, it has been proposed in the past to open the gas valve at a relatively slow rate. This not only obviates the initial pop present in certain types of burners but also, in the larger capacity burners,

gives the stack flue a time to heat up so as to increase the draft before a full supply of fuel is fed to the burner. However, many of these so-called slow-opening" gas valves have their disadvantages. In one type, the electric motor which is utilized to open the valve is slowed down by a second electrical motor which acts in the nature of a governor. Obviously, this is an expensive and indirect way of accomplishing the desired results. Again, while it would offhand seem that a slow-opening valve could be easily provided by providing a suiliciently large gear reduction between the electrical motor and the gas valve, such a slowing down of the gas valve through the use of a large gear reduction opens up the very great possibility that the valve will not close under its spring-loading upon deenergization of the operating motor,

The present invention therefore contemplates controlling an electrically operated valve in such manner that upon an initial call for heat, the valve moves relatively rapidly to a partial open position and remains in this position for a timed period, after which it automatically moves relatively rapidly to full open position. This arrangement obviates the pop described above and also eliminates the difficulties experienced in large capacity burners when the stack fiues thereof are cold. Also, this construction does away with the necessity of having the valve itself move at a very slow rate so that the other difliculties specified above are also avoided.

One 'of the objects of the present invention is the provision of a valve control system in which v5 a valve, upon a call for heat, moves to a partial open position, then remains in this partial open position for a timed-period and thereafter automatically moves to a larger or full open position.

cific manner in which this partial and then full opening of the gas valve is obtained and also include certain improved constructional features of the valve itself.

Further objects of the invention will be found in the description, the detailed drawings, and the appended claims.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an end view of my novel valve with the cover removed,

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through my valve with certain parts removed and others 26 broken away in order to show the construction more clearly,

Fig. 3 is a side view of one side of my novel valve with the cover removed,

Fig. 4 is a similar view taken of the other side 30 of my novel valve,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the manner in which the electromagnet of my valve operates to latch one of the gears of the speed reducing mechanism so as to maintain the valve 35 in any position to which it is moved,

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary showing of the .main operating shaft of my valve with certainparts in section and others broken away in order to show the constructional details more clearly,

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view looking downwardly upon the manual reset mechanism when the same has been moved to latched position,

Fig. 8 is a side view of my valve showing the novel manner in which the secondary air arm is mounted and controlled, and

Fig. 9 is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating the manner in which my valve is controlled.

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive of the V drawings, the valve mechanism of the present invention includes a valve casing I provided with a partition 2 that forms an inlet chamber 3 and an outlet chamber 4. The valve casing l is further provided with a pair of tapped openings 5, one of which is shown as plugged by ageing 6, which tapped openings may be utilized to supply 10 Other objects of the invention include the spegas to a pilot light or the like.

The partition 2 is provided with the usual valve opening I with which the usual valve disc 8 cooperates in order to control the flow of gas from the inlet chamber 3 to the outlet'chamber 4. This valve disc 8 is connected to a reduced portion 9 of the valve stem |6 in such manner that it is free to swivel thereon.

The valve casing l is secured to a suitable base II by screws l2, there being interposed between the base and the casing I, a circular gasket l3, and a sealing ofi diaphragm 4. This sealing off diaphragm |4 serves to seal off the outlet chamber 4 so that no gas can escape therefrom except through the usual threaded outlet opening. The valve stem I6 is provided with the reduced portion 9 mentioned above and against the shoulder thus formed by the junction of the valve stem I6 and the reduced portion 9, a washer I5 is placed. This washer abuts the upper side of the diaphragm l4 and a similar washer I6 is placed upon the reduced portion 9- and abuts the underside ofthe diaphragm H, a nut |1 serving to clamp these parts tightly together, whereby the valve stem l6 extends through the diaphragm l4 in gas-tight relation thereto.

The mechanism for operating the valve stem I6 is mounted between a pair of side plates 26 and 2| which extend upwardly from the base The base II is provided with a plurality of small circular openings 22 into which lugs 23, formed on the side plates 26 and 2|, project so as to properly position the bottom edges of these side plates. The upper edge of each of these side plates 26 and 2| is provided with a notch'and these notches receive a bridging member 24 which extends across the space between the plates 26 and 2|. Screws 25 pass through the bridging member 24 and are screw-threadedly received by the base to'flrmly clamp side plates 26 and 2| to the base A main operating shaft 26 is joumalled in the side plates 26 and 2|. Secured to this main operating shaft 26 is a pinion 21 and a gear 28. The

' pinion 2 1 cooperates with teeth 29 formed in the valve stem l6 whereby rotary movement of the main operating shaft 26 serves to raise and lower the valve stem l6 to move the valve disc 8 away from and towards the opening 1 in the partition 2 of the valve casing The upper end of valve stem I6 is guided by a guiding member or bushing 36 which is secured to the bridging member 24. A coiled spring 3| has one of its ends secured to the side plate 26 and its other end secured to the pinion 21 and tends to rotate main operating shaft 26 in valve closing directionisee Fig. 6).

The gear 28 cooperates with a pinion 32 which is mounted upon a stud shaft 33 that is secured to the side plate 2|. A gear 34 is secured to the pinibn 32 and meshes with a motor pinion 35 that is secured to the rotor shaft 36 of a motor having a field structure indicated at 31. One end of this rotor shaft 36 is joumalled in a bearing 38 that is secured to the side plate "and the other end of this rotor shaft 36 is joumalled in a bearing 39 which is secured to the side plate 2|. This latter end of the rotor shaft 36 is provided with a reduced portion 46 to which the arms 4| and 42 of a fly-ball governor are secured. These arms support weights 43 and 44 as well as braking members 45 and 46 which cooperate with the inner surface of a circular member 41 that is secured to the side plate 2|.

The field structure 31 is mounted between the side plates 26 and 2| by means of suitable bolts 49, nuts 56, and spacing sleeves 5|.

The valve stem I6 is maintained in raised position against the bias of spring 3| by a latching mechanism that includes a somewhat resilient latching arm 52 having a bent-over end 53 that is adapted to move between the teeth of the gear 34. This arm 52 is secured to a stud 54 and a rigid arm 55 which is also secured to the stud 54 serves to re-inforce and guide the latching arm 52, the latching arm 52 passing through an opening formed in the bent-over end 56 of this re-inforcing arm 55. The stud 54 is secured to an armature 51 which is pivoted on a shaft' 58 that is joumalled in side members 59 and 66 that in turn support a field structure 6|. This field structure 6| includes a relay coil 62 for producing a magnetic flux in the field structure 6| to attract the armature 51. The armature 51 is biased to the position shown in Fig. 2 by means of a spring 63 which is wound about the shaft 58 and has one of its ends abutting the supporting member 59 and its other end abutting the stud 54. A piece of insulating material 64 is secured to the lower end of armature 51 and acts as a switch controlling arm. Switch arms 65 and 66 are secured to the piece of insulating material 64 and respectively cooperate with switch arms 61 and 68 which are in turn mounted upon supporting blocks of insulating material 69 and 16. The arrangement is such that when the relay coil 62 is deenerglzed, the parts assume the position shown in Fig.2 wherein the latching arm 52 is disengaged from the teeth of gear 34, the switch arm 65 is engaging the switch arm 61, and the switch arm 66 is disengaged from switch arm 68. Upon energizetion of the relay coil 62, the armature 51 moves to the position shown in Fig. 5 wherein the latching arm 52 is engaged with the teeth of gear 34. Under these conditions, the switch arm 65 disengages switch arm 61 but switch arm 66 moves into engagement with switch arm 68. This relay is mounted upon the side plate 26 by means of suitable bolts 1|, nuts 12 and spacing sleeves 13.

Part of the switching mechanism for controlling the motor and relay is carried by a panel 15 of insulating material which is secured to the side plate 26 by means of screw and nut assemblies indicated at 16. Mounted upon this panel 15 is a bracket 11 to which four switch arms 18, 19, 86 and 8| are secured. These switch arms are all insulated from each other and from the bracket 11 by insulating members 82, 83, 84 and 85, with the exception that the switch arm 8| is electrically connected to the bracket 11 either through the medium of screw and nut assemblies 86, which fasten these parts together, or by an electrical connection that will be explained hereinafter in connection with the wiring diagram of Fig. 9. The bracket 11 is connected to a binding post 81 by a connecting link 88.

The switch arms 18 to 8| inclusive are controlled by the main operating shaft 26. Secured to this main operating shaft 26 is a collar 86 which is adapted to extend through a cover side plate 9|. Integral with this collar 96 is a disc 92. Mounted adjacent to the disc 92 and embracing the collar 96 is a similar disc 93 which is provided with a pair of slots 94 through which screws 95 extend by means of which the disc 93 may be secured to the disc 92 so that disc 93 moves in conformity with the movements of main operating shaft 26. However, the slot 94 and screws 95 provide for a relative adjustment between the disc 93 and the disc 92 for reasons which will become apparent hereinafter. The disc 63 is provided with an extension 36 which supports a stud shaft 01 upon which a roller 98 of insulating material is journalled. Upon movement of main operating shaft 26 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3 of the drawings, the roller 98 approaches and finally engages switch arm 8|. The switch arm 8| is thereupon lifted into engagement with the switch arm 80 and the switch arm 80 is moved upwardly. Such movement of switch arm 80 causes upward movement of switch arm I9 into engagement with switch arm 18, there being a small piece of insulating material 99 secured to the underside of switch arm I9 and against which the switch arm 80 is adapted to bear. Continued movement of main operating shaft 26 in this counter-clockwise direction causes the roller 98 to pass beyond the switch arm 8| so that the switch arms 18 to 8| inclusive return to the position shown in Fig. 3. This movement of main operating shaft 26 in counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 3 causes a lifting movement of the valve stem I0 and a consequent opening of the valve.

The panel 15 additionally supports a time switch that comprises a bimetallic element I00 and an associated electrical heating element IOI. One end of bimetallic element I00 is secured to a 'bracket I02 that is mounted upon the panel I5 and the other end of bimetallic element I00 cooperates with a contact I03 which is adjustably mounted in a bracket I04 that is also secured to the panel 15. Upon energization of the electrical heater IN, the bimetallic element I00 is heated, and after a time period, this bimetallic element I00 separates from contact I03. The length of time required for the separation of bimetallic element I00 from contact I03 depends upon the adjustment of contact I03 in its supporting bracket I04. The ends of electrical heating element I0| are respectively secured to terminal posts I05 and I06.

The side plate 2| also supports a panel of insulating material indicated at 0 and this panel in turn has mounted upon it certain switching mechanism for also controlling the operation of the motor and relay of the valve mechanism. A bracket III which is secured to the panel 0 supports a flexible switch arm II2 that is provided with a backing member of insulating material II3. This switch arm II2 cooperates with a similar switch arm II4 which is carried by a bracket II6 that is likewise secured to the panel H0. The switch arm II4 controls a switch arm H5, the switch arms H4 and H5 being connected together through a piece of insulating material II 5'. This switch arm II5 cooperates with a switch arm II! that is secured to a bracket I I8 which is mounted upon the panel I I0. The brackets III, 5 and 8 are respectively provided with binding posts II9, I20 and |2I.

The arrangement is such'that switch arm 3 is normally disengaged from switch arm H4 and switch arm H5 is normally disengaged from. switch arm II'I. These switch arms are adapted to be operated by a stud I22 which is screwthreaded into a collar I23 that is in turn secured to main operating shaft 28 (see Fig. 6). Upon movement of main operating shaft 26 in valve opening direction, the shaft 26 rotates in clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4 and the stud I 22 moves towards the piece of insulating material II3 which is carried by the switch arm II2. When the valve has been moved to full open position, the stud I22 engages the piece of insulat- 'is adapted to pass.

ing material II3 thereby moving switch arm II 2 into engagement with switch arm H4 and this movement in turn moves switch arm II5 into engagement with switch arm I IT.

The valve of the present invention is adapted to be manually operated under certain conditions. For the purpose of this manual operation, the collar I3 is provided with a sleeve I25 which extends along main operating shaft 26 to the end thereof. A screw I21, which is threaded into the end of main operating shaft 26, engages the sleeve I25 to hold the sleeve I 25 and the collar I23 securely upon the main operating shaft 26. A hollow operating knob I28 fits over the collar I23 and is provided with an angular slot I29 through which the stud I22 extends. The operating knob I28 is normally biased to the position shown in Fig. 6 by means of a coiled spring I30 which surrounds the sleeve I25 and has one of its ends abutting the collar I23 whereas its other end abuts the operating knob I20. When it is desired to operate the valve manually, the operating knob I28 is rotated in clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4 and the angularity of the slot I29 causes rotation of the main operating shaft 26 in valve opening direction and at the same time causes inward movement of the operating knob I28.

This operating knob I28 is provided with a notch I3I that forms a shoulder which is adapted to engage a stud I32 that is secured to side plate 2|. When the valve has thus been partially opened by manual manipulation of the knob I28, the shoulder formed by the notch |3I engages the stud I32 so that the valve is held in such partially open position against the bias of the closing spring 3|.

Mounted upon panel 0 and associated with the operating knob I28 is a pair of switch arms I33 and I34. A piece of insulating material I35 is secured to the switch arm I34 and the arrangement is such that the inward movement of operating knob I28, set out above, causes the same to engage this piece of insulating material I35 and moves switch arm I34 into engagement with switch arm I33. As a result, whenever the valve is manually moved to a partial open position and latched therein, the switch arms I33 and I34 are moved into engagement with each other. The switch arm I33 is secured to ,a bracket I36 that is mounted upon panel H0 and is provided with a binding post I31. Similarly. the switch arm I34 is secured to a bracket I38 that is mounted upon panel 0 and is provided with a binding post I30.

In many instances, it is desired to operate a damper in control of the flow of secondary air to a burner in conformity with the movements of the valve which controls the supplying of fuel to the burner. For this purpose, a stud I40 is secured to and carried by the side cover plate 9| mentioned above. A damper operating arm MI is provided with an elongated slot I42 near one of its ends through which the stud I40 The collar which is secured to the main operating shaft 26 is provided with a pair of threaded holes I43 and I44 either 0 which is adapted to receive a screw I45 which passes through the damper arm I4I. With the parts in the position shown in Fig. 8, the screw I45 is threaded into the hole I43 and whenever the main operating shaft 26 moves in valve opening direction (counterclockwise as viewed in .Fig. 8), the extreme right-hand end of damper lever I will move downwardly. If the opposite movement of damper arm I 4| is desired, the

wardly when the valve is moved towards openposition.

Referring to Fig. 9 of the drawings, the motor of the valve is therein diagrammatically illustrated as comprising a squirrel cage rotor I50 and an associated field winding I5I. The operation of the valve is shown as controlled by a temperature responsive switch such as a room thermostat which includes a bimetallic actuating element I52 that has one of its ends secured as indicated at I53. The other end of bimetallic element I52 controls a contact arm' I54 which is adapted to engage an associated contact I55 when the temperature to which bimetallic element I52 responds drops to a predetermined value. It will be understood that any other type of controller, either automatic or manual, could be utilized to control the operation of the gas valve.

The system is also shown as including the usual safety pilot which is indicated herein as comprising a bimetallic element I56 which has one of its ends secured to a bracket I51. This bimetallic element I56 cooperates with a contact I58. A pilot light indicated at I59 impinges upon, or is closely associated with, bimetallic element I56 so that the same moves into engagement with contact I50 whenever the pilot light is burning properly.

The system is also shown as including a fan motor I60 which may be utilized to circulate air heated by the flow of fuel through the gas valve, as is well-known in the art. High voltage power is supplied by line wires I6I and I62 and low voltage power is furnished by a step-down transformer I63 having a high voltage primary I64 connected to the line wires I6I and I62 and a low voltage secondary I65.

With the parts in the position shown, the pilot is operating properly but the temperature of the room or space in which the bimetallic element I52 is located is sufliciently high. The field winding I 5| and the relay coil I62 are both deenergized under these conditions and the valve is closed. Likewise, the fan motor I60 is deenergized.

If the temperature to which bimetallic element I52 responds should now lower sufilciently so that contact arm I54 is moved into engagement with contact I55, an energizing circuit for field winding I5I is established as follows: secondary I65, wire I66, binding post I31, wire I61, bracket I51, bimetallic element I56, contact I58, wire I68, 9. binding. post I69 which is mounted upon panel IIO, wire I10, contact I55, contact arm I54, bimetallic element I52, wire "I, binding post I39, wire I12, wire I13, wire I14, field winding I5I, wire I15, switch arm 61, switch arm 65, wire I16, wire I11, wire I18, bracket II8, binding post I2I, and wire I19 to the other side of secondary I65. Energization of field winding I5I causes rotation of rotor I50 and rotor shaft 36. This rotation is transmitted to the main operating shaft which simultaneously raises the valve stem I 0, rotates theroller 98 towards the switch arm 8I, and rotates the stud I22 towards the switch arm II2.

When the valve has thus been opened to a predetermined extent, which is determined by the adjustment of disc 93 in relation to the as- 8I and causes movement of switch arm 8| into engagement with switch arm 80 as well as switch arm 19 into engagement with switch arm16, all as explained above. Engagement of switch arm 19 with switch arm 18 energizes relay coil 62 as follows: secondary I65, wire I66, binding post I31, wire I 61, bracket I51, bimetallic element I56, contact I58, wire I68, binding post I69, wire I10, contact I55, contact arm I54, bimetallic element I52, wire I1I, binding post I39, wireI12, wire I13, wire I80, relay coil 62, wire IOI, wire I82, switch arm 18, switch arm 19, wire I83, bracket I04, contact I 03, bimetallic element I00, bracket I02, wire I84, wire I18, bracket II6, binding post I2I, and wire I19 to the other side of secondary I65. Energization of relay coil 62 the teeth of gear 34, as explained above, to prevent further rotation of main operating shaft 26 wherefor no further opening movementof the valve takes place. During the movement of armature 51 of the relay mechanism to this latching position, switch arm 65 moves from engagement with switch arm 61 wherefor the above-described energizing circuit for field winding I5I is interrupted. This interrupting action of the circuit for field winding I5I takes place prior to the engagement of latching arm 52 with the teeth of 'gear 34 wherefor the parts are already slowing down and perhaps even stopped by the time this latching action takes place. Such movement of armature 51 also moves switch arm 66 into engagement with switch arm 68 which completes a circuit to heating element IOI as follows: secondary I65, wire I66, binding post I31, wire I61, bracket I51, bimetallic element I56, contact I58, wire I68, binding post I69, wire I10, contact I55, contact arm I54, bimetallic element I52, wire "I, binding post I39, wire I12, wire I85, terminal I06, heating element IOI, terminal I05, wire I86, switch arm 80, switch arm 9|, wire I81, link 88, binding post 81, wire I88, switch arm 68, switch arm 66, wire I16, wire I11, wire I18, bracket II8, binding post I 2I and wire I19 to the other side of secondary I65.

The valve is now in an intermediate open position and an intermediate flow of gas is supplied to the burner. This amount of gas is not suflicient to cause an appreciable popping" in the type of burners that are apt to pop upon the supplying thereto of a full supply of fuel, nor is it large enough to requirernore airthan is drawn into a large burner when the stack flue thereof is cold. After a. time, depending upon the adjustment of contact I03 in relation to bimetallic element I00, bimetallic element I00 will have been heated sufficiently by the heating element IM to separate from contact I03. When this occurs, the circuit traced above for relay coil 62 is interrupted whereupon the relay returns to the position shown in Fig. 9, wherein switch arms 65 and 61 are in engagement and switch arms 66 and 68 are disengaged. Such movement of the armature also releases the latching arm 52 from the teeth of gear 34, whereupon the parts are again enabled to rotate. Separation of contact 66 from contact 68 interrupts the energizing circuit for heating element IOI traced above, whereas engagement of contact 65 with contact 61 re-establishes the aforementioned circuit for field winding I 5I. Rotor I50, therefore, rotates the main operating shaft 26 further in valve opening direction.

By thetime the valve has been moved to a .15 moves the latching arm 52 into engagement withsubstantially full open position, the roller 98 has" passed completely under switch arm 8I so that switch arm 8I disengages switch arm 89 and switch arm 19 disengages switch arm 18. When the valve is thus full open, the stud I22 engages the piece of insulation II3 which is secured to the switch arm H2 and moves switch II2 into engagement with switch arm II4, which in turn moves switch arm II5 into engagement with switch arm I I1. Engagement of switch arms I I2 and H4 energizes fan motor I60 as follows: line wire I62, wire I90, binding post I20, bracket II6, switch arm II4, switch arm II2, bracket III, binding post II9, wire I9I, fan motor I69 and wire I92 to the other line wire I6I. Engagement of switch arm II5 with contact II1 establishes a new energizing circuit for relay coil 62 which is as follows: secondary I65, wire I66, binding post I31, wire I61, bracket I51, bimetallic element I56, contact I58, wire I68, binding post I69, wire I19, contact I55, contact arm I54, bimetallic element I52, wire I1I, binding post I39, wire I12, wire I13, wire I80, relay coil 62, wire I8I, wire I93, switch arm II5, switch arm II1, bracket II8, binding post I2I, and wire I19 to the other side of the secondary I65. Armature 51 is thereupon again attracted and first separates switch arm 65 from switch arm 61 whereupon the energizing circuit for field winding I5I is again interrupted. Armature 51 continues its movement and places latching arm 52 into engagement with the teeth of gear 34 to stop further rotation of the parts and maintain the parts in their position against the biasing action of return spring 3|. Also, this movement of armature 51 moves switch arm 66 into engagement with switch arm 68. This movement of switch arm 66 into engagement with switch arm 68, however, does not energize heating element IOI at this time because switch arms 80 and 8| are no longer in engagement. The supply of gas to the burner is thus increased to a maximum wherefor there will be no popping action in that type of burner which requires a small initial supply of gas; and in burners of the larger type the stack flue will have been heated by this time so that sufficient draft is present to supply as much combustion supporting air as is necessary. If a secondary air damper is being controlled, it will be connected to the damper arm I so that such secondary air damper will be moved in accordance with the movements of the gas valve itself.

Whenever the temperature to which bimetallic element I52 responds rises sufliciently to separate contact arm I54 from contact I55, the last mentioned circuit for relay coil 62, as well as all other circuits, will be interrupted. Armature 51, therefore, returns to the position shown wherein the latching arm 52 is removed from engagement with the teeth of gear 34. The return spring M is thus permitted to rotate the main operating shaft 26 and associated parts in reverse direction so that the valve moves to closed position. The fly-ball governor described above prevents too fast a movement of the parts in valve-closing direction wherefor the valve disc 8 does not strike its seat sufficiently hard to result in rebounding of the valve disc 8 from its seat.

If the pilot flame should be out so that the bimetallic element I56 is not engaging the associated contact I58, it will be impossible to open the valve if it is closed, or all circuits will be broken if the valve is many open position whatsoever so that the valve will close. It is, therefore, impossible to operate the valve or maintain the same automatically in a partial or full open position if the safety pilot is extinguished.

From the foregoing it will readily be seen that if a failure of electrical power should occur, the valve will be moved to closed position under the influence of return spring 3I. If a power failure should occur and persist for any length of time, it might be desirous to manually open the valve so that gas could be supplied to the burner. This can be accomplished by manually rotating operating knob I29. Rotation of this knob until the shoulder formed by notch I3I engages the stud I32 moves the valve to a partially open position and the inward movement of the knob I28, explained above, causes engagement of switch arms I33 and I34. This rotation of knob I28 is not suflicient to cause stud I22 to close switch arms H5 and H1. Whenever the electrical power returns, field winding I5I will be energized irrespective of the condition of the safety pilot or the controlling room thermostat by a circuit as follows: secondary I65, wire I66, binding post I31, bracket I36, switch arm I33, switch arm I34, bracket I38, binding post I39, wire I12, wire I13, wire I14, field winding I5I, wire I15, switch arm 61, switch arm 65, wire I16, wire I11, wire I18, bracket II8, binding post I2I and wire I19 to the other side of secondary I65. The valve is, therefore, moved further open and in so doing releases the pressure of stud I32 on the knob I28, whereupon the spring I30 will be effective to move the knob I28 to its normal position. This opens or separates switch arms I33 and I34. If the controlling thermostat is calling for heat at this time and if the safety pilot is operating properly, the valve will move to complete open position and will move switch arm II5 into engagement with switch arm I I1 to energize relay coil 62 and maintain the valve in full open position as heretofore explained. However, if the controlling thermostat is satisfied, or if the safety pilot be out, then separation of switch arms I33 and I34 interrupts all circuits to the various parts and the valve returns to closed position.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that I have provided a compact and novel valve structure as well as a control system by which a valve is initially moved to a partial open position and then after a time period, automatically opens to a further extent. It will be evident that many changes may be made by those skilled in the art, both in the detailed construction of the valve and the manner in which it is controlled, without departing from the spirit of my invention. I intend therefore, to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an electrically operable valve, in combination, a valve, electrical means to move the valve from closed to open position when energized, timing means, means responsive to valve movement operative to interrupt valve movement when the valve reaches a partially open position and to place said timing means in operation, and means controlled by said timing means to resume valve movement after a time period.

2. In an electrically operable valve, in combination, a valve, electrical means to move the valve from closed to open position when energized, timing means, means responsive to valve movement operative to place said timing means in operation and deenergize said electrical means when said valve reaches a partially open position, and means controlled by said timing means to reenergize said electrical means after a time period.

3. An electrical valve control system of the class described, comprising, in combination, a

valve, electrical means to move said valve from a first position to a second position, electrical means operative to interrupt valve movement, switching means operated by valve movement when said valve reaches a predetermined position to control said valve movement, interrupting means to interrupt valve movement, electrical timing means energized when said valve reaches such predetermined position, and switching means controlled by said timing means tocontrol said valve movement interrupting means to permit further movement of the valve after a time period.

4. An electrical valve control system of the class described, comprising, in combination, a valve, electrical means to move said valve from a first position to a second position, electrical means operative to interrupt valve movement, switching means operated by valve movement when said valve reaches a predetermined position to control said valve movement interrupting means to interrupt valve movement, switching means operated by said valve movement interrupting means, electrical timing means controlled by said switching means, controlled by said timing means operative to control said valve movement interrupting means to permit further valve movement after a time period.

5. In a valve control system, in combination, a valve, first electrical means to move said valve from a first position to a second position, means to energize said first electrical means, second electrical means operative to prevent valve movement when energized, timing means placed in operation upon energization of said second electrical means, switching means operated by valve movement operable to energize said second electrical means when the valve reaches a predetermined position; switching means operated by said second electrical means to deenergize said first electrical means, and switching means controlled by said timing means to deenergize said second electrical means after a time period whereby to cause reenergization of said first electrical means and further movement of said valve.

6. In a valve control system, in combination, a

' valve, first electrical means to move said valve from a first position to a second position, means to energize said first electrical means, second electrical means operative to prevent valve movement when energized, switching means operated by valve movement operative to energize said second electrical means when the valve reaches a predetermined position, electrical timing means, switching means operated by said second electrical means when energized to deenergize said first electrical means and energize said timing means, and switching means operated by said timing means to deenergize said second electrical means after a time period.

7. In a motorized valve, in combination, a

- valve, a rotary electrical motor to move the same from a first position to a second position when energized, electromagnetic means to interrupt valve movement when energized, means to enersize said motor means, switching means operated when said valve reaches a predetermined'position toenergize said electromagnetic means, andtiming means to deenergize said electromagnetic means after a time period.

8. In a motorized valve, in combination, a valve, a rotary electrical motor to movethe same from a first position to a second position when energized, electromagnetic means to interrupt valve movement when energized, means to energize said motor means, switching means operated when said valve reaches a predetermined position to energize said electromagnetic means, first switching means operated by said electromagnetic means, electrical timing means energized by said switching means, and second switching means controlled by said timing means to deenergize said electromagnetic means after a time period.

9. In a motorized valve, in combination, a valve, a'rotary electrical motor to move the same from a first position to a second position when energized, electromagnetic means to interrupt valve movement when energized, means to energize said motor means, switching means operated when said valve reaches a predetermined position to energize said electromagnetic means, switching means operated by said electromagnetic means, electrical timing means energized by said switching means, and'second switching means controlled by said timing means to deenergize said electromagnetic means after a time period, said first switching means also deenergizing said motor means upon energization of said electromagnetic means.

10. In a valve control system, in combination, a valve, motor means to move the valve from a first position to a second position, means to hold the valve in any position to which it is moved, means controlled by valve movement to operate said valve holding means when said valve reaches a predetermined position between its first and second positions, timirm means to render said valve holding means inoperative after a time period, and means controlled by valve movement to again render said valve holding means operative when the valve reaches said second position.

11. In a valve control system, in combination, a valve, motor means to move the valve from a first position to a second position, means to hold the valve in any position to which it is moved, means controlled by valve movement to operate said valve holding means when said valve reaches a predetermined position between its first and second positions, timing means to render said valve holding means inoperative after a time period placed in operation when said holding means is operated and the valve is in said predetermined position, and means to render said valve holding means operative when the valve reaches said secondposition. ll

12. In combination, a valve, motor means to move said valve from a first position to a second position, valve holding means to hold said valve in any position to which it is moved, means responsive to valve movement to operate said valve holding means when the valve reaches a position between said first and second positions, means operated by said valve holding means to interrupt the supply of power to said motor means, timing means placed in operation when said valve reaches such intermediate position to render said valve holding means inoperative after a time period, and means operated when said valve reaches its second position to again operate said valve holding means,

13. In an electrical valve control system, in combination, a valve biased to a first position, electric motor means to move the same from said first position to a second position when energized, means to hold the valve in any position to which it is moved by said electric motor means, electric means in control of said valve holding means, electric timing means, switching means controlled by movement of said valve to an intermediate position and by said electric means auntie to energize said timing means and electric means and to deenergize said motor means, switching means operated by said timing means to deenergize said electric means after a. time period, and switching means operated when said valve reaches its second position to again energize said electric means.

14. An actuating mechanism for a device which it is desired to move from a first position to a second position, comprising, in combination, electric means to move said device from the first position to the second position, electric means operative to interrupt movement of the device, switching means operative when the device reaches a predetermined position to control said device movement interrupting means to interrupt movement oi the device, switching means operat-n ed by said device movement interrupting means, electric timing means controlled by said switching means, and switching means controlled by said timing means operative to control said device movement interrupting means to permit further movement of the device after a time period.

15. The combination with an element movaable from a first position to a second position, of a rotary electric motor to move such element from the first position to the second position when energized, electromagnetic means to interrupt movement of the element when energized, means to energize said motor means, switching means operated when said element reaches a predetermined position to energize said electromagnetic means, and timing means to deenergize said electromagnetic means a timed period after the same has been energized.

16. An actuating mechanism for positioning an element, comprising, in combination, power means to move the element 'from a first position to a second position, means to hold the element in any position to which it is moved by the power means, means controlled by movement of the element to operate said holding means when said element has been moved to a predetermined position between its first and second positions, timing means to render said element holding means inoperative alter a time period and placed in operation when said holding means is operated and the element is in said predetermined position, and means to render said element holding means again operative when the element reaches said second position.

17. In combination, a valve, means for moving said valve between first and second valve'positions, and interrupting means including a timing device operative to stop valve movement for a time period while said valve is moving from said first to said second position at a position intermediate said first and second positions, said time period being independent of the time at which said valve is operated,- said interrupting means being inefiective to stop movement of the valve when said valve is moving from said second to said first position in the course of its normal operation. 7

18. In combination, a valve, electrical motor means for moving said valve from a first position tdasecondpositiommeansincludingatiming switch movable between a circuit open and circuit closed position, said last named means being operative to stop valve movement for a time period when said valve reaches a position intermediate said first and second positions, said time period being determined by the-time required for said timing switch to move between its circuit controlling positions and being independent of the time at which said valve is operated, and means for adjusting the length of said time period to thereby adjust the time required for said valve to move from said first to said second position.

19. In combination, a valve, electrical motor means for moving said valve from a first position to a second position, means including a thermal time switch movable between a circuit open and circuit closed position, said last named means being'operative to stop valve movement for a time period when said valve reaches a position intermediate said first and second positions, said time period being determined by the time required for the temperature of said thermal time switch to change sufiiciently to cause said switch to move between its two circuit controiling positions and being independent of the t J26 at which said valve is operated, and means associated with said time switch for adjusting the length oi said time period to thereby adjust the time required for said valve to move from said first to said second position.

20. In combination, a valve biased towards closed position, motor means for opening said valve against its bias, means to hold said valve in any position to which it is moved, means controlled by valve movement to operate said valve holding means when said valve reaches a partially open position, and timing means operative to render said valve holding means inoperative a timed period after it has been placed in operation to permit continued movement of the valve towards open position.

21. In combination, a valve, means biasing said valve towards closed position, electrical motor means for moving said valve against its bias, a gear train connecting said motor means and said valve, electromagnetically actuated holding means cooperating with an element of said gear train, and means for so energizing, said holding means that it is eii'ective to hold the valve at a partially open position upon said valve being moved in valve opening direction, said holding means having no efiect upon the return movement 01' said valve to closed position.

22. In combination, a valve, means biasing said valve towards closed position, electrical motor means for moving said valve against its bias, a

gear train connecting said motor means and said valve, holding means comprising a stop movable into engagement with an element of the gear train to stop movement oi the valve at a partially open position, and means including a timing device operable a predetermined period of time alter said valve has stopped at said partially open position to cause said stop to be withdrawn from ment with said gear train.

JAMIB R. WILLIAMS.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 2,1L 5,1 L 6. January 211,, 1959.

JAMES R. WILLIAMS.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6 first column, line 25, claim Ly, before 'controlled" insert and switching means; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this LLth day of Apri1,'A. D. 1959.

Henry Van Arsdale Acting Commissioner of Patents.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,lh. 5,1)+6. Jannary 21+, 1959.

' JAMES R. WILLIAMS. It is \hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6', first column, line 25, claim 11;, before 'controlled" insert'and switching means;

I and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein that the same may conforzh to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this Lam day of April, A. 1). 19 9.

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) I Acting Comniissioner of Patents 

